Somatosensory recovery: a longitudinal study of the first 6 months after unilateral stroke

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to characterize the recovery pattern of stroke patients in the first 6 months following stroke.

Method: Using the Rivermead Assessment of Somatosensory Performance (RASP), the Motricity index and the Barthel Activities of Daily Living (ADL) index, a case series of serial somatosensory and motor measurements was made on 18 patients with a diagnosis of a first ever stroke. Patients comprised 2 distinct groups, acute and subacute. The acute group were seen weekly for the first month post onset and the subacute group were seen monthly for 6 months. Participants were seen at hospital, regional rehabilitation unit and/or the participant's home. Standard local rehabilitation was given.

Results: The somatosensory subtest of proprioception demonstrated the greatest level of recovery. No patient achieved full recovery on all somatosensory subtests. Motor and functional recovery demonstrated continual improvement over time, somatosensory recovery showed marked variation in subtests both within and between patients.

Conclusion: Of the 18 patients tested there were no consistent, generalizable, recognizable patterns of sensory recovery demonstrated.